The Co-op was forced to close this morning after a break-in over night.

Cigarettes were stolen from the convenience store, in Forbes Road in Faversham, at around 3am.

The store is usually busy with commuters in the morning because of its close proximity to the train station but shoppers were turned away this morning as staff dealt with the aftermath.

A spokesperson for the Co-op said: “I can confirm that the store was broken in to in the early hours of Thursday morning.

"The store was closed as a result until around 10am on Thursday, and we would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience this caused.

"It is now operating as normal. CCTV footage has been passed to the police, who are investigating, and we would appeal for anyone with any information to come forward.”

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police is investigating an alleged burglary at a shop in Faversham.

"It is reported that a quantity of cigarettes were stolen in the incident in Forbes Road, just after 3am on Thursday, June 25.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

The shop is now fully open.